Staff and faculty members of VCU-Q during the awards ceremony and orientation programme.

DOHA: Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCU-Q) celebrates its 15th anniversary this year underscoring its innovative undergraduate and graduate programmes that continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs of Qatar’s cultural and professional infrastructures.

As the first university established in Education City through a partnership with Qatar Foundation and most recently Hamad Bin Khalifa University, VCU-Q has developed a rich legacy of creative endeavour and leadership in art and design education and research.

VCU-Q opened its doors in 1998 as the Shaqab College of Design Arts with 33 bright young women, six pioneering faculty members and three degree programs.

This fall semester, VCU-Q welcomes the first group of students into the new BA Art History programme. This is the first non-studio degree, and the fifth undergraduate degree, offered by the branch campus and is intended to support the development of the cultural infrastructure in Qatar. All VCU-Q programmes recognise the regional development in the visual arts and innovative industries and align with the vision of Qatar Foundation and the Qatar National Vision 2030.

VCU-Q started the 2012-2013 academic year with Dean Allyson Vanstone, Joseph Seipel, dean of the School of the Arts, VCU Richmond and David Prior, executive vice president and provost, Hamad bin Khalifa University welcoming all new and returning faculty and staff to an all-day retreat.

An awards ceremony, recognising individuals who distinguished themselves over a period of years in service to the school and community was held in the afternoon.

Assistant Professor in the Foundation programme Jesse Payne, Director of the Liberal Arts and Sciences programme Byrad Yyelland and Assistant Professor of Art History Jochen Sokoly, were honoured with the Faculty Distinguished Achievements Awards. Jesse Payne won the “Distinguished Achievement in Teaching Award” for his development of lesson plans and drawing assignments to more fully meet the needs of students and properly address the focus of each of the majors offered at VCU-Q. Byrad Yyelland was presented with the Distinguished Achievement in Service Award. Dr Yyelland has been at the forefront of several initiatives to improve the quality of education for both students and faculty including the Great Teachers Retreat, Instructional Skills Workshops, and Appreciative Inquiry facilitation.  

Jochen Sokoly won the Distinguished Achievements in Research Award.

The Peninsula